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EDITORIAL: We Hope The Mayor Can Turn IceMen Loss Into A Positive

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MAYOR
MAYOR

The City-County Observer accurately predicted the departure of the Evansville Icemen from the Ford Center and the City two weeks before it became fact. The move to Owensboro came as something of a surprise, as Louisville appeared to offer a more suitable venue. In the end, Icemen owner Ron Geary and the Mayor of Owensboro struck a bargain that appears to be a win-win for both of them.  We wish IceMen the very best in the future.

On the face of it, the loss of the Evansville IceMen Hockey team that was the centerpiece of the design of the Ford Center is not a “positive” for the facility, the Winnecke Administration, or the people of Evansville in general. With some thinking “outside the box” we hope that the Mayor and his team can turn this loss around and make lemonade out of the lemons we were given.  We hope that the Mayor will find a replacement for the Icemen that will draw simliar crowds.  It’s obvious that a new agreement won’t get approval by ECHL because the IceMen have territorial right protection.  We also hope that in addition to another Hockey team, the city leaders will look to other oppurtunities that will attract people to the Ford Center.  Arena Football, Professional Wrestling and Roller Derby come to mind, but there are many possibilities that deserve consideration.

There are some who point to the management of VenuWorks with an accusing finger.  At this time is we feel VenuWorks is doing a good job attracting events that fits Evansville limited marketing demographics.

There are a couple of bright spots on our horizon. The new Health Professions Education Center (formerly known as IUSM, Evansville) is expects to bring economic benefits to the Downtown campus.  New downtown Convention hotel.  Tropicana coming on land has a strong likelihood of resulting in positive economic results for the City and Downtown.

It is time to stop expecting the Zoo,  city parks and golf courses,  community swimming pools, the Ford Center, the Victory, and Old National Bank Event Center to make a profit for the City.  Its time to recognize them as a quality-of-life facilities.   We should stop expecting them to make a financial profit. because its obvious that that won’t happen.  Fact, if they can come close to breaking even, we should be glad that they are not taking any more money from the City’s coffers.

After last City election its obvious that the taxpayers have chosen to allow Mayor Winnecke to do more of the same he has done during his first term.  However,  we expect that in order for him to maintain the present and to enhance the quality-of-life venues in Evansville a tax increase will be in order for the public.

Very few, interested parties showed up to protest any of the future spending of capital projects, during the last City election.  We are not saying “We told you so” even though we did. It is apparent that a majority of the public wanted the Mayor to spend more public money on future “shiny things.”

IS IT TRUE JANUARY 25, 2016

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IS IT TRUE since 2011 Mayor Lloyd Winnecke raised $2,822,000 million dollars for his political campaigns?  …in 2011 he raised $668,000?  …in 2012 he raised $200,000?  …in 2013 he raised $338,000?  …in 2014 his campaign raised around $400,000?  …in 2015 his campaign raised a whooping $1,216.000?  …at the end of his  reporting period  January 19, 2016 he reported to have exactly $12,408.81 cash on hand?  …the annual pay Winnecke receives for being Mayor of Evansville is around $100,000?

IS IT TRUE are waiting to see if DMD Director Kelley Coures and his assistant Carolyn Rusk will try to convince the Board of Directors of the Evansville Brownfield Corp. that they can meet behind close doors to conduct the peoples business? ….we predict if Coures and Rusk are allowed to hold and illegal Brownfield Board Meeting that will be met with legal opposition.
IS IT TRUE County Clerk  Debbie Stucki implemented a new on line site that your can view Court cases in Vanderburgh County at no cost? …we would like to thank County Clerk Debbie Stucki for making this site available?  …attached is the link that will take you to this new site?
http://mycase.in.gov/default.aspx
IS IT TRUE  Jonathan Weaver bragged that he was a member of the African American Museum Board of Directors?  …we are puzzled why Mr. Weaver recently resigned from the Board?.
IS TRUE a former City Council member had extensive and expensive dental work done in September, 2015?  … he had the City sponsored self insurance policy and as of today his dentist bills hasn’t been paid by the City?  .. the Dentist has threaten to turn over his overdue Dental bills for collections?
IS IT TRUE our graphic artist is working on a political cartoon depicting the difference between how America and Evansville honors our “Civil Rights” leaders
IS IT TRUE  the “Community Laundromat” located at 309 East Columbia Street named in honor of Jack Henry Gates that provides free washing and drying of clothes to our dis-advantage citizens is extremely successful?  …we want to publicly thank the President of Ace Roofing,  Dennis Gates for having the vision of creating this most while community service that helps the poorest of the poor of our community?
IS IT TRUE we appreciate the excellent work that Evansville-Vanderburgh County Computer Information Chief  Mark Uhrin for making the official sites of our elected officials user friendly?   
 IS IT TRUE todays “READERS POLL;  “Do you feel that the Mayor can turn the loss of the IceMen into something positive ?
IS IT TRUE starting today the IS IT TRUE articles shall be posted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays unless we have unexpected breaking news?

Copyright 2015 City County Observer. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

YESTERYEAR: Evansville Museum Train

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Pedestrians walking near the riverfront were surprised one day in early April of 1967 when they encountered an unusual event: a three-car train in the 100 block of Northwest Riverside Drive. It was slowly grinding its way down a seven-block stretch from the railroad tracks at Mesker Steel Company to its final destination at the Evansville Museum. The transfer was completed in two days by volunteer railway workers who laid portable tracks in 39-foot sections along the street.

FOOTNOTE: We want to thank Patricia Sides, Archivist of Willard Library for contributing this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history. If you have any historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides, Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.

FOOTNOTE: We want to thank Patricia Sides, Archivist of Willard Library for contributing this picture that shall increase people’s awareness and appreciation of Evansville’s rich history. If you have any historical pictures of Vanderburgh County or Evansville please contact please contact Patricia Sides, Archivist Willard Library at 812) 425-4309, ext. 114 or e-mail her at www.willard.lib.in.us.

Johnson’s Career Day Not Enough In Wichita State Loss

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Johnson’s Career Day Not Enough In Wichita State Loss

WICHITA, Kan. – After leading for much of the first half on Sunday afternoon, the University of Evansville women’s basketball team didn’t have an answer for Wichita State in the second as the Purple Aces fell 58-50 at Charles Koch Arena.

While Kenyia Johnson and her career-best 18 points headlined the UE (2-16, 1-6 Missouri Valley Conference) offense on the day, Sara Dickey continued her ascent up the Aces all-time scoring list, racking up 12 points. The Montezuma, Ind., native now has 1,441 for her career, passing Barb Dykstra, who graduated in 1986 with 1,430.

Johnson, meanwhile, enjoyed one of the best outings of her career, as the sophomore out of Orange Park, Fla., finished 8-of-9 from the field and filled up the stat sheet with five assists, four rebounds and a pair of steals.

Rangie Bessard, whose eight-point second quarter propelled the WSU (5-14, 2-6 MVC) comeback, finished the day 11-for-18 shooting with 26 points and seven rebounds.

On the whole, the Aces actually out-scored the Shockers 24-14 in the paint and 22-18 off turnovers, but the real difference was from the free-throw line as UE went 9-of-18. WSU, which shot nearly all of their free throws inside the game’s final minute, was a perfect 8-for-8.

The Aces will be back in action on Jan. 29 as the team will return to the Ford Center to take on Illinois State at 7 p.m.

NOTES: UE is 21-24 against Wichita State and 6-16 in games played in Wichita … Rebekah Parker will be the next target for Dickey on the UE all-time scoring list. The 2008 graduate left Evansville with 1,480 career points … Sasha Robinson is 25 rebounds away from entering UE’s all-time top 10 in the category.

 

 

BERNIE PULLS AHEAD OF HILLARY IN THE PRESIDENTIAL RACE

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Adopt A Pet

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You would never guess this boy is 8 years old! He is extremely affectionate and full of snuggles. His adoption fee is $30. He goes home neutered, microchipped, & vaccinated for that price! Visit www.vhslifesaver.org or call (812) 426-2563 for adoption details!

The Governor’s Week in Photos

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1) Governor Pence Welcomes House, Senate Democrats for Coffee // January 19, 2016. Governor Mike Pence welcomes House and Senate Democrats to the Governor’s Office for coffee early Tuesday morning. Pictured left to right: House Minority Leader Scott Pelath, Governor Mike Pence, Lieutenant Governor Sue Ellseprmann and Senate Minority Leader Tim Lanane

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2) Governor Pence Visits INDOT as Snow Approaches // January 20, 2016. As Hoosiers brace for snow on their Wednesday morning commute, Governor Mike Pence visits the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) Indianapolis sub-district for a briefing on road conditions.image002

 

 

 

 

3) Governor Pence Visits with Indiana FFA Students // January 21, 2016. Indiana FFA members from West Washington pose alongside Governor Mike Pence at the Statehouse Thursday afternoon.image003

 

 

4) Governor Pence Signs Education Agenda Bills Focused on Supporting Teachers and Schools // January 21, 2016. Governor Mike Pence joins a bipartisan group of Statehouse leaders as he signs into law two of his agenda bills focused on supporting teachers and schools. The first, Senate Enrolled Act 200, holds schools harmless for their A-F grades for the 2014-2015 year to accommodate the transition to more rigorous academic standards. The second, House Enrolled Act 1003, ensures that teacher bonuses and evaluations are not negatively impacted by the transition to a new test this year.image004

 

 

5) Governor Pence Joins in National Guard Armory Dedication // January 22, 2016. Governor Mike Pence joins members of the Indiana National Guard and Marines as they dedicate the expansion and addition to the National Guard Armory at the South Bend Armed Forces Reserve Center. In addition to housing the Indiana National Guard, the center will also be home to a Marine reserve company.image005

 

 

 

 

6) Governor Pence Greets Young Hoosiers at March for Life Rally // January 22, 2016. Governor Mike Pence greets young Hoosiers at an Indiana March for Life rally on the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s 1973 Roe v. Wade decision.

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7) Governor Pence Celebrates Hoosier Company’s 100-Year Anniversary // January 22, 2016. Governor Mike Pence joins Rieth-Riley Construction Co. in South Bend as they celebrate a century of doing business in the Hoosier state.

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Indiana State takes 82-65 win over Purple Aces

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Indiana State takes 82-65 win over Purple Aces

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. – Shooting over 50% for the fourth game in a row, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team defeated Loyola, 74-66, in Missouri Valley Conference action on Tuesday night at the Ford Center.

“We couldn’t be more disappointed in today’s game.  We felt like we were moving in the right direction over the last few days, but it did not come together today,” head coach Marty Simmons said.  “We took a lot of bad shots in the beginning, but give Indiana State credit, they played great and did what they had to do to win.”

D.J. Balentine was one of four Aces (17-4, 6-2 MVC) to record double figures.  He had 20.  Egidijus Mockevicius had a double-double with 10 points and 13 boards while Jaylon Brown and Adam Wing finished with 13 points apiece.

Leading the Sycamores (11-9, 5-3 MVC) was Brenton Scott.  He posted 24 points, including six triples.  Tying his mark was Devonte Brown, who also had 24.  He hit seven shots on 13 attempts.

Indiana State came out on fire, scoring the first eight points of the game before Adam Wing got the Aces on the board almost three minutes into the game.  That was the first of back-to-back buckets as UE made it an 8-4 game.  Brenton Scott was the catalyst of the ISU offense, scoring 14 of the Sycamores’ first 16 points as they went up 16-5.

The Purple Aces started to grind their way back into the game as they cut the gap to five at 23-18 midway through the period.  Later, an old-fashioned 3-point play by Adam Wing got the Aces within two.  After a pair of Sycamore free throws with 5:48 remaining, Blake Simmons hit a triple on the ensuing possession to make it a 1-point game (27-26) with 5:31 left.

Indiana State led at 30-29 with 4:50 left and put the clamps on the Aces in the final minutes of the half, outscoring UE by a 15-2 margin to take a 45-31 lead into the locker room.  Scott had 17 points for the Sycamores in the first half and Wing was the leader for UE with 10.

Out of the break, the Aces looked to be ready to mount a comeback as they registered the first five points as Jaylon Brown hit a two and Adam Wing added his second trey of the day to make it a 45-36 game.  Indiana State rallied back with a run of their own, scoring 12 of the next 17 to take their largest lead at 57-41.

Evansville was unable to get much closer in the final minutes as they fell by a final of 82-65.

On Thursday, the Aces will be back in action as they tra/vel to Southern Illinois for a 7 p.m. game on ESPN3.

Med-Mal, Administrative Law Reform Sills Set For Hearing

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Dave Stafford forwww.theindianalawyer.com

A proposal to raise the cap on medical malpractice damages by $400,000, index future increases to inflation and make other reforms to the Indiana Medical Malpractice Act will be introduced to a Senate committee Monday.

The Senate Judiciary Committee will take up Senate Bill 152 at the conclusion of Monday’s full Senate calendar that begins at 1:30 p.m. The med-mal reform bill is a result of a study committee that considered changes to caps that haven’t been increased in 17 years. The bill proposes increasing the maximum award from the current limit of $1.25 million to $1.65 million. Increases would be adjusted in the future according to increases in the consumer price index.

The bill also would:

  • Allow plaintiffs to file a claim in court without first going through a medical review panel if the claim is no more than $75,000. Currently, only claims of $15,000 or less may be tried directly to court;
  • Provides sanctions up to default judgment as to liability for parties, lawyers or medical review panelists who fail to act as required; and
  • Cap attorney fees at 31 percent of any med-mal recovery. Statute currently caps fees at 15 percent on awards from the Patient’s Compensation Fund but does not limit attorney fees collected from a health care provider’s insurance.

The committee also will consider Senate Bill 1, which proposes replacing administrative law judges with administrative courts.

Hoops For Troops Game To Be Held On January 30

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USI Men’s Basketball Participating In “Suits & Sneakers”

The University of Southern Indiana is honoring members of the United States Armed Forces with the fourth annual Hoops for Troops Military Appreciation Game January 30 when the Screaming Eagles host Saint Joseph’ College for a Great Lakes Valley Conference men’s and women’s basketball doubleheader. Game time for the women’s game is 1 p.m., while the men’s contest is slated for 3:15 p.m.

Free tickets will be given to veterans and military personnel of all eras and their guests. Tickets can be picked up the day of game with military identification and/or proof of service in the front of the PAC. The event is sponsored by the American Legion Post 324 and the USI Veteran Military and Family Resource Center.

In addition to supporting and appreciating our veterans, USI Men’s Basketball will be taking part in the National Association of Basketball Coaches’ “Coaches vs. Cancer” initiative by participating in the “Suits & Sneakers Awareness Week.”

Suits & Sneakers Week (January 25-31) is a nationwide event where basketball coaches across the country unite for a common cause – saving lives from cancer. Coaches and their staff are encouraged to wear sneakers with their suits while coaching games to raise the awareness of the fight against cancer.

Fans also are encouraged to participate in the Princess Lacey’s Laces, which was inspired by Michigan State University’s number one fan, 8-year old Lacey Holsworth and her battle with cancer.

As a special promotion beginning Suits and Sneakers Week and continuing through the end of the college basketball season, fans will have the opportunity to purchase a specially-designed pair of sneakers laces through Shoe Carnival (online or in stores) in memory of Lacey. Funds raised will go to the American Cancer Society and Princess Lacey’s Legacy, to continue the fight against pediatric cancer.

For more information on Suits & Sneakers and Princess Lacey’s Legacy, visit American Cancer Society on-line.

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